January   - Dates: Saturday, January 11 – Tuesday, January 14   - Holidays: Makar Sankranti / Pongal (January 14)   - Plan: Take leave on Monday, January 13.   Where to Go: &

A shocking case of fraud has come to light in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, where a man, Virendra Joshi, allegedly opened a bank account in the name of actress Sunny Leone and has been receiving Rs 1,000 every month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a government scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to married women. The fraud was discovered in Talur village, raising serious concerns about the verification process and the accountability of officials handling the scheme.

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term in office, a growing number of U.S. colleges and universities are advising international students to return to campus before January 20, 2025, due to concerns that Trump may reinstate or expand travel restrictions. This advice follows the previous travel bans imposed during his first administration, which restricted entry to the U.S. for citizens from certain predominantly Muslim countries. Many schools, including Ivy League institu

China, the world's second-largest economy, is working to recover from the effects of its three years of pandemic isolation. In a bid to attract more international visitors and boost its economy, China recently announced an expansion of its visa-free transit policy. The new policy, which is effective immediately, allows travelers from 54 countries, including the US, Canada, and several European and Asian nations, to stay in parts of China for up to 10 days. Previously, the visa-f

Indian tourists may soon enjoy visa-free travel to Russia, with the new arrangement expected by spring 2025. Since August 2023, Indian travelers have already been eligible for e-visas, which are processed within four days. The upcoming visa-free travel agreement will further strengthen tourism ties between India and Russia. In 2023, Russia granted 9,500 e-visas to Indian visitors, placing India among the top five countries for easy travel access to Russia. Consultations between Mosc

In its ongoing efforts to reform public policies, the NDA government has now turned its focus on the education sector. Following changes in policies related to sand and liquor, the government is now preparing to revive an initiative aimed at reducing student dropouts in government junior colleges. IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh has announced plans to reinstate a government-funded mid-day meal scheme, initially introduced by the TDP in 2018. The program was designed to encoura

The National Pension Scheme (NPS) Vatsalya, launched on September 18, 2023, has seen a positive response from Indian parents looking to invest in their children's future. As of November 17, 2023, the scheme has attracted 66,495 subscribers, with Maharashtra leading the pack with 9,219 accounts. Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka follow closely with over 6,500 subscribers each. In total, 18 states have seen over 1,000 accounts opened, demonstrating the scheme’s growing appeal. Th

More than 100 passengers of an Air India flight, scheduled to fly from Phuket to New Delhi on November 16, have been stranded for over 80 hours due to ongoing technical issues. According to multiple social media posts from passengers, the flight was initially delayed by six hours due to a technical fault. After waiting for hours, passengers were told to board the plane, only to be deboarded an hour later when the flight was canceled. The airline allegedly prepped the same plane for

Dubai, a vibrant metropolis renowned for its luxurious lifestyle and futuristic architecture, has become a top destination for female travelers. With its cosmopolitan culture, women can explore both well-known attractions and hidden gems, whether traveling solo or with friends. Here’s a comprehensive guide to unique experiences in Dubai tailored for women, ensuring a trip filled with adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Venture In An Adventure

India has launched an innovative Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the time taken for immigration clearance, slashing wait times from a minimum of 30 minutes to just a few seconds. The program utilizes biometrics to provide pre-verified travelers with a smoother experience during both arrival and departure. The Ministry of Home Affairs has plans to expand the

Government Support for Amaravati Farmers: In a significant move, the Andhra Pradesh government has provided crucial support to farmers in the Amaravati region who donated their land for capital development during the 2014-15 period. The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) has deposited funds directly into the accounts of these farmers, ensuring they receive the compensation owed to them. Extended Rent for Contributing Farm

Andhra Pradesh is grappling with severe flooding, particularly in the Vijayawada region, following excessive rainfall. The situation is dire, prompting Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to stay in Vijayawada and personally manage relief operations. Naidu’s presence on the ground underscores his commitment to addressing the crisis and supporting affected communities. In contrast, YS Jagan,

According to a recent survey conducted between August 1 and August 10 across 12-20 districts in Telangana, over 72% of residents expressed satisfaction with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s Congress government. The survey highlights that the public appreciates the government's effective administration and commitment to welfare and development. Notably, the Congress government has been praised for its free travel scheme for women on RTC buses, which has received an overwhelmingly po

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has responded to a surge of complaints regarding alleged fraudulent activities linked to the previous YCP government’s housing scheme. Many grievances raised during the Praja Darbar program highlight accusations that public representatives under the YCP administration engaged in illicit land grabs under the guise of housing development. This has prompted CM Naidu to direct the vigilance department to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the transactions

Travel photography allows you to capture the essence of your journey and preserve memories for years to come. Whether you're using a smartphone or a professional camera, here are some tips and tricks to enhance your travel photography skills: Before You Go: Research and Plan Shots: Research iconic landmarks, scenic spots, and local festivals at your destination. Plan your photography itinerary to maximize your time and capture the best

Cultural immersion travel involves deeply engaging with the local culture, traditions, and way of life of a destination. It goes beyond superficial tourist experiences to foster meaningful connections and understanding. Here’s how travelers can immerse themselves culturally: Homestays and Local Accommodations Staying with local families through homestays or guesthouses provid

Off-the-beaten-path destinations offer adventurous travelers a chance to explore lesser-known, unique, and often untouched places away from tourist crowds. These destinations provide authentic cultural experiences, natural beauty, and opportunities for exploration. Here are some off-the-beaten-path destinations worth considering: Faroe Islands, Denmark Located between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands offer dramatic landscapes of rugged cliffs, rolling green hills, a

Eco-friendly travel, also known as sustainable travel or responsible tourism, is a growing movement among travelers who are increasingly conscious of their environmental and social impact. It aims to minimize negative effects on local cultures, economies, and ecosystems while promoting conservation and supporting community development. Here are key principles and practices of eco-friendly travel: Sustainable Accommodations Choosing eco-friendly accommodations is a fundam

Luxury travel is an indulgent and exclusive form of travel that offers unparalleled comfort, personalized service, and extraordinary experiences. It caters to travelers who seek opulence, privacy, and sophistication in their journeys. Here are key aspects that define luxury travel: Exquisite Accommodations Luxury travelers enjoy accommodations that exceed expectations in terms of comfort, design, and amenities. This includes staying in lavish hotels, resorts, private vil

Solo travel has become increasingly popular as more people seek the freedom and adventure of exploring the world alone. Whether for personal growth, cultural immersion, or simply the thrill of independence, solo travel offers unique benefits and experiences: Personal Growth and Independence Solo travel challenges individuals to step outside their comfort zones, make decisions independently, and navigate unfamiliar environments. This fosters personal growth, self-confiden